Of course, lifestyle, daily activities, and age are common factors affecting your orthopedic needs. But, different orthopedic conditions present themselves differently in men and women. It is primarily due to the differences in bone anatomy, muscle mass, and ligament mass.
Besides orthopedic problems like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Osteoarthritis, gender affects the risk of injuries. Understanding how being a male or female affects your orthopedic vulnerabilities can help prevent the risk of injuries.
You can find a course of action that works best for your orthopedic injuries with sufficient knowledge. Orthopedic surgeons and medical experts like Dr. Hill can provide further information on how both genders can prevent or treat orthopedic injuries.
Are Females More Prone to Injuries?
Women have a higher risk of developing orthopedic conditions and tend to be more prone to orthopedic injuries. According to various studies and surveys, the most common sports-related injuries are more prevalent in women than men.
While there has been a significant rise in ACL injuries overall, surveys see a 59% increase in the required procedures in young female athletes between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Studies reveal that female players are three times more likely to experience ACL tears than men.
In simpler terms, hormonal changes and anatomical differences can affect female orthopedic injuries.
What Factors Cause the Difference?
Men and women don’t face the same physical differences and hormonal changes throughout their life.
Anatomical Structure
Several areas in the anatomy of men and women affect common orthopedic injuries.
For example, men tend to have a high muscle mass that supports joint and bone stability. On the other hand, women typically have a wide pelvis area. It causes the thigh bones to angle downward, altering the lower body alignment. The more acute angle means greater stress on the knees. Hence, women are more vulnerable to ACL tears.
Additionally, women have a more generalized ligament laxity. Looser ligaments can’t hold the joints, and tighter ligaments are in mend. Furthermore, shallow glenoid contributes to poor stability. Apart from the distinctions in bone structure, there is also a difference in muscle mass. According to research, women typically have sixty-six percent lower-body and fifty-two percent upper-body strength. This means females have less muscle mass to protect their ligaments and tendons from orthopedic injuries.
Hormones
Estrogen is directly linked with increased flexibility and improved bone health. Women experience a change in estrogen levels every month. As the hormone fluctuates during each menstrual cycle, it increases your risk of developing orthopedic problems. Not to mention, it can make you more vulnerable to orthopedic injuries, especially ankle and knee injuries.
Various studies studying the link between hormones and orthopedic needs reveal spikes and fluctuation in knee injuries. As a result, research and studies have left us with more questions and answers. However, a decrease in estrogen levels results in a decrease in bone density. Hence, females tend to develop diseases and experience frequent injuries after menopause.
Summing Up
Many factors, including age and lifestyle, affect your risk of orthopedic problems and injuries. But, many people remain unaware of how gender affects their orthopedic needs and vulnerabilities. Typically, women are more prone to muscle injuries, bone breakage and fractures due to their anatomical structures and fluctuating hormones. You can consult with an orthopedic medical professional like Dr. Hill to learn about your risks and how to prevent them.
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